Approach Venture ยท 1 day ago
Senior Automation Engineer - Defense Composite Production
El Segundo, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$170K/yr - $240K/yr
5+ years expApproach Venture is a rapidly expanding seed-stage defense and advanced manufacturing startup seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to design and deploy automated systems for next-generation composite manufacturing. The role involves leading automation efforts, collaborating with engineering teams, and enhancing production through innovative automation solutions.
Management Consulting
Hiring Manager
Torey Bell
Responsibilities
Design, prototype, and refine automated manufacturing systems that improve production rate, repeatability, and overall quality
Develop early-stage automation concepts and convert them into functional minimum viable systems that can be matured for production
Build and iterate motion control, robotics, sensor integration, and electromechanical assemblies for key composite manufacturing steps
Create control logic, wiring layouts, and system integration plans from concept through deployment
Troubleshoot automation equipment, diagnose system issues, and improve reliability and uptime
Collaborate with machinists, manufacturing engineers, and operators to adapt production setups for automation
Partner with engineering teams to ensure production processes are inherently scalable and automation-ready
Lead, mentor, and manage engineers or technicians contributing to automation builds
Plan and execute long-term automation strategies and identify opportunities for system improvements across programs
Interface with customers when needed to discuss technical requirements, share updates, or gather feedback
Qualification
Required
5+ years of automation engineering experience in manufacturing environments including robotics, motion systems, sensors, PLCs, and automation software
Demonstrated ability to develop automated systems and robotic solutions from concept through implementation
Experience scaling manufacturing processes and increasing efficiency through automation
Ability to design, fabricate, source, program, and troubleshoot full-stack automation systems
Comfortable wiring, testing, and validating electromechanical systems
Strong CAD skills and ability to create parts, assemblies, and drawings with GD&T
Proven ability to collaborate with manufacturing teams and support production-oriented improvements
Experience managing budgets, timelines, and project commitments
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline
Preferred
8+ years working in automation for manufacturing environments
Understanding of composite manufacturing processes or automation of materials workflows
Experience automating thermal or pressure-based equipment such as ovens, presses, or infusion systems
Familiarity with Onshape or similar CAD environments
Background in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability manufacturing sectors
Benefits
Stock options.
401(k) with employer match.
Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
Company
Approach Venture
Enabling founding teams building the future of frontier technology to achieve their full potential.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Bryce Dabbs
Founder & CEO
Tristan Cembrinski
Partner
Company data provided by crunchbase